5.27.2010

Strawberries with Balsamic Glaze

I have a few confessions to make. First, I can't take full credit for this very-simple-yet-very-delicious little recipe. Second, it came from Teresa Giudice's new cookbook Skinny Italian. Yes, that's Teresa from Real Housewives of New Jersey. Yes, I love that show. No, I'm not ashamed to admit it. Her cookbook was one of my law school graduation gifts. (I also got a new camera lens, which I used to shoot the photo below.) Now, if you're like me you're probably thinking, "Vinegar and strawberries? Really?" Really. As in, "really delicious." The brown sugar makes the glaze so sweet it's fantastic. I added a little bit of lemon juice just to mix it up a bit. Teresa's recipe calls for drizzling the glaze over strawberries and orange slices but I've drizzled it over some blackberries, too.

Also, I highly recommend her cookbook, especially if you're a fan of the show. There are quite a few personal tidbits and insights that a RHNJ lover will definitely appreciate (and not a small number of jabs at the show's villain, Danielle). My only criticism of the book is actually more of a compliment - I wish there were more recipes. The ones she includes are pretty darn tasty and I want some more! Maybe since Skinny Italian quickly became a NY Times Best Seller she'll put together a second cookbook with a little more gossip and a lot more recipes.

Strawberries with Balsamic Glaze

What You Need:

2 tbsp. brown sugar

2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Sliced strawberries and oranges (or whatever other berries you want)

Little sprinkle of lemon juice (optional but it adds to the tangy-ness!)

What To Do:

1. Place sugar, lemon juice (if you're using it), and vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.

2. As soon as the mixture starts to boil, turn off heat and set aside too cool.

Seriously, I mean it. As soon as it starts to boil! If you over cook it, it will caramelize (like it did for me because I was distracted with my Property outline). Granted the caramelized version is still delicious, but it's really sticky and gooey and not so fun on your teeth.

3. Once the sauce has cooled, drizzle over your sliced fruit and enjoy!

*I'm still learning how to work with the new lens - hence, the blurriness.